Love the post. I always had an allotment growing up and last year I moved to a place with a bigger garden and small growing area. I’ve fertilised. Nd dug it in over the winter and hope to start planting in the next few weeks, now that the snow storms have finally gone (what was that all about)!
Your pumpkin looks amazing. Any tips? My daughter and I have planted some indoors from seeds (last years Halloween seeds saved and dried) and they have shot up to 10 inches or so in a week. Any tip tips for growing 4 stone pumpkins?
NB - they were mammoth variety! Will reply in more depth later.
They're shooting up because of too little light, you really want them in a greenhouse.
On how to grow 4 stone pumpkins - you need the correct 'mammoth variety' then basically a good barrow load of manure at least per pumpkin and I'd say at least 2 sq foot of space around each one, and just shed loads of water when it gets hot...and you need something for them to rest on above the soil.
It's actually quite easy, just don't expect them to taste nice, keep them for carving.
I spoke to someone I know who also recommended the mammoth varieties. The ground I have is well fertilised but with compost not manure. I assume you are recommending horse manure?
I think I’ll give this a go this year, not to eat but a 4ft pumpkin come Halloween would be awesome and give me major brownie points with my daughter!
Yup - delivered to the allotment - horse manure...its then in place for the next thing in the rotation (think thats greens/ brassicas?).
Also feed - I just used tomatoe feed.
Kids go mad for them! Your daughter ll love it.
Another bonus is that 4 stone pumpkins are very hard to nik!
I’ll have to get it by the bag as I can’t get it delivered direct but I’ll take your advice and find a local stables!